Notice: Once the steering column is removed from the vehicle, the column is extremely susceptible to damage. Dropping the column assembly on the end could collapse the steering shaft or loosen the plastic injections, which maintain column rigidity. Leaning on the column assembly could cause the jacket to bend or deform. Any of the above damage could impair the columns collapsible design. Do NOT hammer on the end of the shaft, because hammering could loosen the plastic injections, which maintain column rigidity. If you need to remove the steering wheel, refer to the Steering Wheel Replacement procedure in this section.

Notice: The front wheels of the vehicle must be maintained in the straight ahead position and the steering column must be in the LOCK position before disconnecting the steering column or intermediate shaft. Failure to follow these procedures will cause improper alignment of some components during installation and result in damage to the SIR coil assembly.

Caution: This vehicle is equipped with a Supplemental Inflatable Restraint (SIR) System. Failure to follow the correct procedure could cause the following conditions:

•	Air bag deployment

•	Personal injury

•	Unnecessary SIR system repairs

In order to avoid the above conditions, observe the following guidelines:

•	Refer to SIR Component Views in order to determine if you are performing service on or near the SIR components or the SIR wiring.

•	If you are performing service on or near the SIR components or the SIR wiring, disable the SIR system. Refer to Disabling the SIR System.

1. Disable the SIR system. Refer to Disabling the SIR System in SIR.
2. Remove the steering wheel. Refer to Steering Wheel Replacement .
3. Remove the knee bolster. Refer to Knee Bolster Replacement in Instrument Panel, Gauges and Console.
4. Loosen the steering column bulkhead connector center screw and disconnect the steering column bulkhead connector.
5. Disconnect the steering column bulkhead connector from the vehicle wire harness.
6. Remove the steering column to steering column toe plate retaining nuts.
7. Remove the steering column to steering column upper support bracket retaining nuts.
8. Remove the steering column from the vehicle.

Caution: In order to ensure the intended function of the steering column in a vehicle during a crash and in order to avoid personal injury to the driver, perform the following:

•	Tighten the steering column lower fasteners before you tighten the steering column upper fasteners. Failure to do this can damage the steering column.

•	Tighten the steering column fasteners to the specified torque. Overtightening the upper steering column fasteners could affect the steering column collapse.

1. Install the steering column to the vehicle.

Notice: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.

2. Install the steering column to steering column upper support bracket retaining nuts.

Tighten
Tighten the steering column to steering column upper support bracket retaining nuts to 30 N·m (22 lb ft).

3. Install the steering column to steering column toe plate retaining nuts.

Tighten
Tighten the steering column to steering column toe plate retaining nuts to 30 N·m (22 lb ft).

4. Connect the steering column bulkhead connector to the vehicle wire harness.

Tighten
Tighten the steering column bulkhead connector center screw to 6 N·m (53 lb in).

5. Install the knee bolster. Refer to Knee Bolster Replacement in Instrument Panel, Gauges and Console.
6. Install the steering wheel. Refer to Steering Wheel Replacement .
7. Enable the SIR system. Refer to Enabling the SIR System in SIR.